Harbor Watch held its annual ‘Clams and Cocktails’ fundraiser at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. / Photos by Thane Grauel
Harbor Watch held its annual ‘Clams and Cocktails’ fundraiser at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. / Photos by Thane Grauel

NORWALK — Harbor Watch’s annual fundraiser launched Saturday afternoon under sunny skies at Copps Island Oysters.

A couple hundred people dined on the fresh shellfish, sliders and a variety of hors d’oeuvres at the Cocktails and Clams event.

For more than three decades, Harbor Watch has monitored the water quality of rivers and harbors in Fairfield County, and for some research cases throughout Connecticut.

Former Westport First Selectman James Marpe, Matthew Mandell, RTM District 1, and Allen Royce, a member of Earthplace's board of trustees.
Former Westport First Selectman James Marpe, Matthew Mandell, RTM District 1, and Allen Royce, a member of Earthplace’s board of trustees.

The organization, based at Earthplace in Westport, helps ensure water is safe for swimming, boaters and for Connecticut’s historic aquaculture operations.

Last year’s event helped wrap up funding a new, custom-made research vessel to replace the Annie, a 26-foot scow the group used for its environmental monitoring about 30 years (after her former duty as an oyster boat).

Harborwatch Director Nikki Spiller thanks the crowd.
Harbor Watch Director Nikki Spiller thanks the crowd.
Harbor Watch's new research vessel Sarah Nicole.
Harbor Watch’s new research vessel Sarah Nicole.

On Saturday, Harbor Watch Director Nikki Spiller thanked the crowd for its support, and the Bloom family and their oyster operation for hosting the event once again. And she pointed to the new research vessel, Sarah Nicole, berthed just feet away on Norwalk Harbor. Learn more about Harbor Watch and its environmental mission here.

Add as a preferred source on Google